Bob Cringeley makes a bold statement in a blog post responding to Apple's iCloud announcement: "Jobs is going to sacrifice the Macintosh in order to kill Windows." He says, "The incumbent platform today is Windows because it is in Windows machines that nearly all of our data and our ability to use that data have been trapped. But the Apple announcement changes all that. Suddenly the competition isn't about platforms at all, but about data, with that data being crunched on a variety of platforms through the use of cheap downloaded apps."

That marketing trick comes in to play when your product isn't going well and you try to seem it's actually very wanted so get yours now. The iPas is the best selling tablet by far.

Well possible, but at launch time, are you sure that Apple were perfectly confident about selling a large iPod Touch for the price of a good mid-end laptop ?

Some product launches are risky, the iPad's definitely was. In that case, running the marketing machine at full speed may help save the day.

I doubt Apple thinks it will make more money not being able to sell someone an iPad instead of taking the money.

But the sales had to start first, before people start to buy iPads on the suggestions of early adopters, then developers start to develop iPad-specific applications and make it more worth buying, etc...

Once the sales are going, supply shortage an issue. Apple already makes a juicy benefit, and people who have not got their tablet will not feel bad against Apple but against other peoples who have got their one by buying it first. The problem is to start sales, and if anything this might even help starting the sales of the next generation of the same product

When I google on "windows vista demand" and "ipad demand" at first glance it seems there were no Vista demand 'n' supply issues.

Bet lost I'd have thought, considering how much of their marketing budget Microsoft have spent mitigating the issue.

My son and his friends use my iPad often. So often that I have resorted to hiding it or claiming it is charging (but daddy, there is no cable attached. damn). No damage as yet.

I suddenly notice that something's missing to continue this discussion. How old is your son ? Or the sons of those parents which you mention ?

"That marketing trick comes in to play when your product isn't going well and you try to seem it's actually very wanted so get yours now. The iPas is the best selling tablet by far.

Well possible, but at launch time, are you sure that Apple were perfectly confident about selling a large iPod Touch for the price of a good mid-end laptop ?

Some product launches are risky, the iPad's definitely was. In that case, running the marketing machine at full speed may help save the day.

I think Apple is in the position to let the rumor sites build up the hype. Saying you're out of stock and can't meet demand I consider a face saving tactic when you're not selling a lot.

They have sold a lot of original iPhones/iPads, so they knew these ware wanted devices and still they can't keep up with demand with the new versions of these products.

I guess the reason for this is that they simply can't get all the parts in large enough quantities.

I was surprised I still hear people complain over here that they want an iPad 2, but couldn't find one.

I doubt Apple thinks it will make more money not being able to sell someone an iPad instead of taking the money.

But the sales had to start first, before people start to buy iPads on the suggestions of early adopters, then developers start to develop iPad-specific applications and make it more worth buying, etc...

Once the sales are going, supply shortage an issue. Apple already makes a juicy benefit, and people who have not got their tablet will not feel bad against Apple but against other peoples who have got their one by buying it first. The problem is to start sales, and if anything this might even help starting the sales of the next generation of the same product

With the first generation the problem is you don't know what the demand will be. You might get stuck with a lot of unsold inventory.

If you're old enough you might remember the E.T. game for the Atari 2600. More E.T. carts were produced than there were consoles.

Apple probably doesn't want to produce too many iPads/iPhones until they can get a good sense what the demand will be. If the demand proves to be too great their part suppliers can't keep up.

When I google on "windows vista demand" and "ipad demand" at first glance it seems there were no Vista demand 'n' supply issues.

Bet lost I'd have thought, considering how much of their marketing budget Microsoft have spent mitigating the issue.

I'm not sure how many people actually buy Windows. Most get it when they buy a new PC. Most PC users I know don't even know what Windows version they are running, so they'll keep running their current version as long as it keeps working.

My son and his friends use my iPad often. So often that I have resorted to hiding it or claiming it is charging (but daddy, there is no cable attached. damn). No damage as yet.

I suddenly notice that something's missing to continue this discussion. How old is your son ? Or the sons of those parents which you mention ?

My son is 8 (since March). He likes Angry Birds, Plants vs Zombies, Agent Orange and YouTube. He also had an iMac G4 and plays flash games on it(!). A friend of his is about the same age and has an iPad he shares with his twin sister. Kids (friends and relatives) visiting range from 6 to 11 years. And that really sucks, because I clean the screen and they all drool over it so when they're gone I have to wipe it clean again.

Also a number of parents buy an iPad 2 and give their iPad 1 to their kids. I also considered this, but my iPad is fine so I'll hold out for the iPad 3.

Times have changed. When I was eight I had to type in my own games and save them on cassette.
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